Trump to meet Gulf leaders over Iran war

US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders in New York next week to discuss the next phase of the war with Iran, according to a report citing people familiar with the plans.

The meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The talks are likely to focus on Washington’s plans for the period after the conflict.

According to the report, the Trump administration is working on a broader postwar strategy. A detailed “day-after” plan is expected to be finalised after the US midterm elections in November.

Leaders or foreign ministers from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries are expected to attend. They include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

The meeting could also be expanded to include other Arab and Muslim leaders. Initial invitations were reportedly sent by the US State Department on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also seeking a meeting with Trump in New York. However, no meeting between the two leaders has been formally scheduled, according to the report.

Trump said on Wednesday that he hoped the war with Iran was approaching its end. He also said Iran wanted to reach a deal, while providing no details about possible negotiations.

The conflict has also increased pressure on global energy markets. Fighting and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns over oil and gas supplies.

The strategic waterway is a major route for global energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption could affect international oil prices and increase pressure on energy-importing countries.

Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has travelled to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The three-day visit is expected to cover security and economic issues. Discussions are also likely to include the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the wider Middle East conflict.

A key issue will be the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has been pressing Seoul to contribute to international efforts aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the waterway.

South Korea has not yet decided whether to deploy military assets to the region. Cho said Seoul was reviewing all relevant factors while prioritising the safety of its citizens and freedom of navigation.

The two countries are also working to finalise details of a major investment agreement. Under the arrangement, South Korea has pledged $350 billion in US investments in return for lower tariff rates.

The continuing conflict has added further uncertainty to the global energy market. Oil prices have remained elevated as traders assess the risks to supplies from the Middle East.

Brent crude recently traded near $108 a barrel before falling in early Thursday trading. Reports that Saudi Arabia could offer additional crude shipments through Oman eased some concerns about supply disruptions.